How to Access Dark Web Safely?

Content that is purposefully kept hidden on the internet is known as the dark web or dark net. The dark web’s websites and data are frequently only accessible with a specialized application like the Tor browser. It forms a subset of the Deep web – all content on the web which is not indexed by search engines. 

Anonymous Darknet:

The dark web’s structure may be broken down to expose a few essential layers that contribute to its anonymity:

• Web search engines on the surface do not index any web pages. Google and other well-known search engines are unable to find or provide results for pages on the dark web.
• Through a randomized network infrastructure, the implementation of “Virtual Traffic Tunnels.”
• Due to its distinct registry operator, it is inaccessible by conventional browsers. Furthermore, it is concealed by several network security measures, including firewalls and encryption.

Inside the Dark Web:

The dark web functions with a high level of privacy. Both lawful and illegal activity and content are hosted there. However, dark content, as the name implies is best known for illicit and generally, distressing stuff. Here is an example of some illicit items you may find on the dark web.

• Stolen information such as Security Card Numbers, bank card numbers, login credentials, hacked Netflix accounts, and many more.
• Illicit Substances like illegal drugs, toxic chemicals, and many more.
• Items and services that are disturbing and harmful. It can quickly become ugly.  To exemplify, things like murderers-for-hire, fake goods, child pornography, human trafficking, and weaponry for sale.

Working of Tor Browser:

• When you use Tor to connect to the internet, your data is encrypted many times before being routed through a haphazard collection of servers known as “nodes.”
• Your data is decrypted layer by each node so that it may be interpreted and transferred to the intended dark web destination. The term “onion router” derives from the method of “peeling” back the separate layers of encryption, much like an onion’s layers.
• Each node, or server, in the chain, knows which server your data originated from and which server it should be sent to next. In this way, multi-layer encryption is implemented.

Steps to access TOR:

Following are some ways to access the dark web safely-

• A reliable VPN service provider can be found VPN (Virtual Private Network) service can help you to create a barrier between yourself and your activities before venturing into the Internet’s most obscure areas as it encrypts your data and masks your identity. For sending emails, a secure email service provider should be used that conceals your true IP address when sending private emails. Google and Yahoo are the most popular ones as they excel in terms of storage and ease but fall short in terms of privacy.
• Install Tor Browser: The Tor Browser is the simplest way to access Tor. It is available for free download and installation. Always download the browser from the official website as third-party apps may contain malware. Using a VPN and the private/incognito mode of your current browser, you might want to conceal the fact that you have downloaded Tor.

• Exploring the dark web using the Tor browser: It lets you access the dark websites having “.onion “domain. Without confirming the authenticity, never try to explore dark sites.

• Keep your Identity safe: Although frauds could occur, dark websites aren’t always unsafe. Use encrypted and anonymous email addresses for interacting or making purchases on the dark web, and pay with a private cryptocurrency wallet. 
• Always set access restrictions for your Tor-enabled device: Protect your children or other family members to prevent them from accidentally discovering anything that should never be seen. 
• Stop downloading files: Malware can be found on the dark web, just like on the surface web. To prevent the possibility of your data being compromised, kindly refrain from downloading anything you are not aware is authentic.

Accessing the Dark web on Android:

• Get a reliable VPN for Android.
• Download the official Tor app for Android.
• Link up with a VPN server.
• Launch Tor and begin browsing.

Accessing the Dark web on iPhone:

• Get a reliable iOS VPN.
• Download a safe iOS browser.
• Link up with a VPN server.
• Launch the browser app.